The human brain functions in a complex chemical environment. Researchers now know that brain chemicals play a big part in anxiety and panic. For example, serotonin is one chemical that plays role in modulating anxiety and mood. If serotonin levels are out of balance, excess anxiety and panic may result.

_{Photo © Microsoft Corporation}

Is stress causing your heart to pound and your head to ache? It's easy to let stress get the best of us. It gains power when we feel most vulnerable, and its influence can complicate just about every area of our lives. If you're stressed out, you may feel frustrated, angry, nervous and worried. These feelings are likely to have a negative affect on your family, work and social life.

Persistent and unhealthy stress often leads to increased anxiety. If you have panic disorder, more anxiety is the last thing you probably need. In the long-term, unchecked stress has also been indicated in a variety of physical illnesses, such as heart disease, stomach problems, and pain.

The good news is you can learn to manage your stress. There are a variety of effective stress management techniques that are just right for you.

_{Photo © Microsoft Corporation}

Forum member, JGRECS, asks, "Does anyone ever feel like they are floating? Tingling in the hands, light sensitivity?" A couple of members responded with descriptions of similar sensations:

I too get the floating feeling you are describing - sometimes it feels like my head is going to leave my body - I actually put my hand on my head to make sure it's still there. And, if this happens while walking - the floating feeling - I will walk a little hard on my feet just to feel the floor to make sure I am still grounded. --mrsellen

I almost feel like I've floated out of my body and I'm standing there looking at myself. Or, sometimes I'll feel like my body is made of jelly. I'll feel like, if I wanted to, I could bend and twist my legs and arms every which way. Sometimes, It'll get to the point where I touch my arms and legs to makes sure they're still there. --LeslieJean72

These troubling symptoms may be caused by depersonalization or derealization. According to the DSM-IV- TR, depersonalization and derealization can be symptoms of a panic attack. If you have panic disorder and experience episodes of depersonalization and/or derealization, you're likely to wonder:

• "Am I going crazy?"
• "Do I have some grave illness?"
• "Am I dying?"

The answers to these questions are no, no and absolutely not. Though quite disturbing, the symptoms of anxiety-related depersonalization and derealization are actually not thought to be dangerous.

The state of our current economy has caused skyrocketing unemployment. This has left many Americans without health insurance. Even with the option to continue health coverage with a former employer, few can afford the high premiums to keep their health policy in effect. And, many employers are feeling the economic pinch and cutting employee benefits, leaving many uninsured or underinsured.

While state and federal legislators battle about healthcare reform and the need to make sure all of us have access to healthcare, the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey estimates 47 million Americans were uninsured at the 2008 census. And, depending on whom you ask, that number could be much higher. What's worse is that these figures don't touch on those who find themselves underinsured. Even with health insurance, huge deductibles, copayments and limited mental health coverage can leave many people unable to afford needed medical treatments.

If you're uninsured or underinsured, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contracts with medical providers across the United States to provide free, or nearly free, healthcare services. This includes treatment for mental health. Fees for services are based on a sliding scale, according to one's ability to pay. Community health centers are located in both well-populated cities as well as rural areas. You can search online for a center near you on the HRSA website.

If you are struggling to cover your medication costs, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance may be able to assist you in applying for public and private patient assistance programs, including those offered by pharmaceutical companies. If you qualify, your medications will be free or nearly free. The process of applying for patient assistance programs is relatively easy. The application is usually brief, and your physician will need to complete a simple form. Once processed, your medications will be shipped to your home or physician's office.

_{Photo © Don Farrall / Getty Images}

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